NEWS
Historic Breakthrough: Africa Launches Revolutionary HIV Prevention Injection
In a landmark development in the fight against HIV, three African nations -South Africa, Eswatini, and Zambia have officially launched the first public rollout of lenacapavir, a revolutionary HIV prevention injection that reduces the risk of transmission by over 99.9 percent.
The rollout, which began on Monday, marks a historic milestone for a continent that bears the heaviest global burden of HIV.
According to 2024 UNAIDS data, eastern and southern Africa account for 52% of the world’s 40.8 million people living with HIV, while one in five adults in South Africa is living with the virus.
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Unitaid, the United Nations health agency, highlighted the significance of the rollout in a statement:
“The first individuals have begun using lenacapavir for HIV prevention in South Africa… making it among the first real-world use of the six monthly injectable in low-and middle-income countries.”
South Africa Leads the Way
The South African rollout is being conducted by a Wits University research unit, funded by Unitaid, with a wider national rollout expected in 2026.
While officials did not disclose how many people have received the first doses, the initiative is being hailed as a major step forward in HIV prevention.
Neighboring Zambia and Eswatini also launched the injection during World AIDS Day ceremonies, following the arrival of 1,000 doses through a U.S.-funded programme last month.
Despite its effectiveness, access remains a challenge.
In the United States, lenacapavir costs approximately R480,000 per person annually, a figure considered prohibitive for most Africans.
To improve availability, Gilead Sciences, the drug manufacturer, has committed to supplying the injection at no profit to two million people in high HIV-burden countries over the next three years. However, health experts warn this falls short of actual need.
Hope may come in 2027, when generic versions of lenacapavir are expected to become available at roughly R684 per year in more than 100 countries, thanks to agreements between Unitaid, the Gates Foundation, and Indian pharmaceutical companies.
Why Lenacapavir Is a Game-Changer
Traditional HIV prevention relies on daily pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) pills, which have faced adherence challenges.
The new twice-yearly injection promises higher adherence and effectiveness, offering new hope for millions in regions hardest hit by the epidemic.
Health experts describe the rollout as a “watershed moment” for HIV prevention, signaling a new era in the fight against the disease across Africa.
NEWS
2027: Shettima Arrives in Uyo for APC Presidential Campaign Rally
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development was disclosed on Friday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.
Akwa Ibom occupies a strategic position in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with major federal investments expected to strengthen infrastructure and economic activities across the state.
SEE ALSO: 2027: Shettima Arrives in Lafia to Rally Support for Tinubu’s Re-election
One of the major projects is the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which has an approximately 82.8-kilometre stretch passing through Akwa Ibom.
The project, according to the statement, “promises improved connectivity, expanded trade, greater investment and new economic opportunities for communities across the region.”
Beyond infrastructure, the administration’s interventions in education, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment and social protection are also designed to improve livelihoods and broaden economic participation.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) is among the initiatives highlighted, complementing Governor Umo Eno’s investments in roads, aviation, tourism and human capital development.
The statement noted that the Uyo rally provides “another opportunity to strengthen the APC’s growing political presence in the South-South and make the case for continuity in 2027.”
NEWS
Elohor Aiboni Honoured with DTN@100 Changemaker Award
Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni was among 100 people honoured with the DTN@100 Award.
She joined a list of distinguished recipients recognised by the Daily Times newspapers. The contributions of the awardees to national development will be documented in a special publication, titled Nigerian Grand Book.
Daily Times which started publication in 1926 gave the awards as part of its centenary celebrations in Lagos. The centenary theme is: “Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future.” Chairman, Folio Media Group and Publisher Daily Times of Nigeria Fidelis Anosike said: “We proudly celebrate Elohor Aiboni, Executive Vice President and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, for her well-deserved recognition at the Daily Times Heroes Award. As a visionary female leader, Elohor has shown that true leadership is defined by action. Her forward-thinking policies continue to drive real, positive change across our nation.”
In her response, Elohor said: “Although this award is presented to me, I do not regard it as mine alone. I share it with my colleagues across the Shell Companies in Nigeria, our partners, and the many people I have had the privilege of working with and learning from over the years.”
Elohor was commended for her achievements in a career in the energy industry that started in Shell in 2002. In addition to serving in operational roles within and outside Nigeria, she has worked as asset manager for Bonga, leading up to her appointment as Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) in 2021, the first female to hold the post. Early this year, she took up the role of Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, also the first female and Nigerian to hold both roles.
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In her acceptance speech, Elohor also called for concerted efforts towards educating the girl-child. She said: “If we are serious about shaping Nigeria’s future, we must be equally serious about educating and empowering the Nigerian girl child. Education provides not only knowledge, but also confidence, choice and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to her community and country.”
Photo Caption – L-R: Energy and Investment Solicitor, Sam Aiboni; Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni; actress Rita Dominic; and Daily Times Chairman, Fidelis Anosike, during the award presentation at Harbour Point, Lagos.
NEWS
Tinubu Hails Flamingos After Historic World Cup Final Qualification, Urges Team to Win Trophy
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic qualification for the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The President commended the team for their impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final, describing their achievement as a remarkable milestone that has brought immense pride and joy to Nigerians at home and abroad.
In a statement issued on Thursday, November 5, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu also praised the coaching crew and everyone whose hard work and support contributed to the team’s successful campaign.
SEE ALSO: 2027: Shettima Arrives in Lafia to Rally Support for Tinubu’s Re-election
With the Flamingos set to face Japan in the final, the President urged the players to remain focused, confident and determined as they pursue the historic world title.
“I encourage you to approach the final with the same fighting spirit and belief that have brought you this far. I have confidence in your ability to make history by winning the coveted world title,” he said.
Tinubu also called on Nigerians to rally behind the young players, describing them as national ambassadors whose achievements continue to showcase the country’s sporting excellence.
He said the team’s performance would inspire a new generation of girls to pursue their dreams without limitations.
“Once again, Nigeria is proud of you. Go for the trophy, Flamingos!” the President added.






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